Frequently Asked Questions
What is a barong?
Barong is short for Barong Tagalog, which translates to the clothing of the Tagalog people of the Philippines. The barong is the national garment of the Philippines, and it is considered formal wear. Barongs are the Filipino cultural equivalents of suits and tuxedos. Click here for our blog post on why the barong is the national garment of the Philippines.
I love your shirts. How do I . . .
Barongs are NOT shirts. A barong has similar elements to a shirt, but it is much more than that. A tuxedo has similar elements to a suit, but it is much more than that. You would not and should not call a tuxedo a suit. You should never call a barong a shirt. Just call it a barong.
What is made-to-measure and custom made?
Made-to-measure is a way to make clothing where each garment is made from a pre-existing pattern to fit the measurements of each individual wearer, often with some feature customizations. Custom or custom made is a synonym for made-to-measure, and is often used to refer to made-to-measure.
This is all as opposed to ready-to-wear or off-the-rack, where garments are constructed to fit into sizes, which are the manufacturer's definition of an average customer's size.
How long does it take to make and deliver a custom Barong Tagalog?
It takes about one month to make one of our formal custom barongs, which are made of jusi, cocoon, and piña silk. After that, it takes about one month to ship the barong from our producers in the Philippines to you depending on where your shipping address is.
We usually ask for at least two months lead time to be able to make and deliver your custom barong after your order is placed and measurements for the barong are taken. The more time you give us, the better, in case there are delays or issues with the barong.
Why don't you sell barongs in sizes?
We do sell ready-to-wear barongs in sizes. Check out our everyday barongs here. these are nonformal barongs.
With our formal barongs, which are made of translucent fabrics (jusi, cocoon and piña silk) and are the vast majority of barongs sold on this site, we do not sell them in sizes because sizes often do not fit most wearers. These are premium, handmade barongs, and they must fit the wearer. So these are only sold custom made to the wearer.
Why do you charge so much for one barong?
Our made-to-measure or custom barongs are made by hand by people. They are only made after an order is placed. The people making our barongs are true artisans and experts in the Philippines. Our made-to-measure or custom barongs take more time and effort to make, and, as a result, they cost more to make. Our barong fabrics also cost more, especially piña silk, which is made of pinapple leaf fibers and silk. Click here to see our blog post about how piña fabric is made.
Pineapple Industries customers also receive more. Pineapple Industries assists all of its customers with measuring for custom barongs, wherever they are in world (see the How This Works section), to ensure a proper fit. We provide full service custom barong consultations every step of the way via messaging, voice, video conferencing, and sometimes in person. We also offer free alterations should any be necessary after delivery (terms apply, see How This Works for details). All custom barong purchases come with a Pineapple Industries garment bag, as well, to carry your barong in.
Do you sell barongs in different colors?
We usually sell our formal custom barongs in the natural color of the fabric, which is usually ecru or off white. This is according to the tradition set by President Ramon Magsaysay when he wore barongs to his inauguration and presidential functions. Click here to read our blog post on President Magsaysay.
We believe that the best way to showcase and appreciate the painstaking hand embroidery is by keeping the fabric its natural color. In addition, when you wear a barong in its fabric's natural color and translucent look, it cannot be mistaken for a shirt or any other garment. You will unequivocally be in a barong.
But, if you ask us nicely, we may just dye your formal custom barong for you (customization fee will apply).
We do offer colored, less formal and casual barongs in our everyday barong section.
Why should I trust Pineapple Industries to make me a great barong?
Pineapple Industries has many years and hundreds of barongs of experience in fitting and styling barongs for people of various body types. As you can see in our product photos on this website and in our social media, the models and our clients look good and feel great in their Pineapple Industries barongs. Our barong artisans come from generations of embroidery and barong making tradition, and they are the best in the world. We will ensure that you always get a high quality barong for your money.
We also offer a Free Custom Barong Alteration Program should you have any fit issues with your custom barong. See below for details.
What is your Free Custom Barong Alteration Program and how does it work?
Should you have issues with how your Pineapple Industries made-to-measure or custom barong fits, please email detailed descriptions of your fit issues to info@pineappleind.com as soon as possible and within 10 days after receiving your barong. We will subsequently request pictures and instruct you on how to take them.
After you have consulted with us, and Pineapple Industries has approved, barong alterations to remedy your fit issues are available free of charge subject to conditions below. The alterations will be done by the people that made your barong in the Philippines.
*To participate in our free barong alteration program, you must ship your barong back to us at your expense. You must also follow our instructions for shipping barongs to us. Please allow two to four months to complete this alteration process.
Pineapple Industries will NOT pay for or reimburse you for alterations you have done outside of our Free Barong Alteration Program.
May I return or exchange or get a refund for my custom barong?
There are absolutely NO returns, exchanges or full or partial refunds on made-to-measure or custom barongs. But, our Free Barong Alteration Program is available for custom barongs purchased that don't fit quite right. See previous FAQ above.
May I return or exchange or get a refund for my everyday barong?
Returns of everyday barongs are only allowed for store credit when you email us (at info@pineappleind.com; Subject: Return) within five (5) days of delivery of your barong describing your reason for return along with your name and order number. We will then provide return shipping instructions via email within 24 hours of receipt of your email. Barong must be sent back to us through a major delivery carrier (US Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, DHL) within five (5) days of delivery of our return shipping instructions email. Shipping speed is customer's choice. After successful return, store credit will be issued only for purchase price plus any taxes paid. No store credit will be issued for shipping costs and fees.
Exchanges are only allowed when you email us (at info@pineappleind.com; Subject: Exchange) within five (5) days of delivery of your barong describing your reason for exchange along with your name, order number and desired size in exchange. Customer must pay for shipping of replacement barong. If your desired size is not available, this becomes a return, and the paragraph above applies. We will then provide return shipping instructions and instructions for paying replacement barong shipping cost via email within 24 hours of receipt of your email. Barong must be sent back to us through a major delivery carrier (US Postal Service, FedEx, UPS, DHL) within five (5) days of delivery of our return shipping instructions email. Shipping speed is customer's choice.
Customer must pay the full cost to ship back the barong to Pineapple Industries. Should the barong become lost or damaged on the return shipment, then the return will not be credited, or the exchange will be null and void, and the customer bears the loss. So we strongly suggest insuring your shipment for the full purchase price, and Pineapple Industries will cooperate in the insurance claim process should the barong become lost or damaged on a return shipment.
Returned or exchanged barongs must not be used at all except for trying on after delivery. If there are signs of use, in Pineapple Industries' sole judgment, the return or exchange may become null and void.
There are no refunds of everyday barongs.
May I cancel my order?
Yes, but you must contact us at info@pineappleind.com to cancel your order within 24 hours of placing the order. You must email us from the email address you entered in your order and provide your full name, order number, phone number, and the reason for cancellation.
All orders cancelled by customer will be charged a 4% cancellation fee to cover order processing costs and expenses. No exceptions.
Which custom formal barong should I buy?
We sell custom jusi and cocoon barongs, which are both made of silk, and custom piña silk barongs, which are a blend of pineapple leaf fiber and silk. All are considered formal wear, and can be worn on occasions like weddings, banquets and other special occasions.
Jusi is smooth to the touch and thin, since it has no lining. It has a tight weave and is durable. It is the lightest, most breathable and comfortable of all our barong fabrics in warm weather. Jusi is also the most affordable. It is considered to be the cultural equivalent to wearing a suit and tie.
Cocoon has a weave similar to piña silk, except it is completely made of silk. It has a loose weave, and it is lined with organza. The lining provides an extra layer of warmth in colder weather. It is the most durable of our barong fabrics, and it is in the middle price range between jusi and piña silk. It is considered formal wear, and it is the cultural equivalent to wearing a tuxedo.
Piña silk has super fine fibers, is coarse to the touch and it is lined with organza on the inside for a smooth and comfortable feel. The lining provides an extra layer of warmth in colder weather. It has a unique shine when light hits it, and it has a loose weave. It is the most delicate barong fabric we offer. It is also the most expensive of the three fabrics. It is considered formal wear, and it is the cultural equivalent to wearing a tuxedo.
Please note that all materials are very easy to rip if the barong is not put on, worn or taken off carefully. See below for how to put on and take off your barong without ripping it.
Piña silk barongs are considered more formal than jusi and cocoon. It is a custom in the Philippines that if you are getting married, it is preferable to wear a piña or piña silk barong, much like it is preferable for a groom to wear a tuxedo (as opposed to a regular suit) under western wedding custom. Cocoon barongs are just about as formal as piña silk barongs because they look similar to them. Jusi barongs are analogous to suits.
All of our barongs can be dressed down for a more casual look, like many of the pictures shown on our website and social media. It is really a matter of personal choice which type of barong you buy. People wearing our contemporary fit barongs really have less restrictions over how they can wear barongs. See next question and answer below.
Why are you making barongs for women? Aren't barongs for men only?
Barongs are traditionally known to be worn by men. The barong is the national garment of the Philippines, and it is not fair that it is only widely available to men. Barongs look great on women and also in a more feminine form. Also, women wearing barongs is not a new thing. Women have been wearing barongs since barongs were first created. A more famous and recent example is Corazon Aquino, who wore barongs while she served as president of the Philippines.
Pineapple Industries wants to change a lot about the image of the barong and how it is worn. One of Pineapple Industries' goals is to make the barong widely accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, gender identification and gender expression. On this website, all barong embroidery designs are available in traditional fit (masculine) and contemporary fit (feminine). We welcome all people, regardless of gender, gender identification and gender expression, to shop all of our barong collections.
The barong etiquette or rules generally can be disregarded for our contemporary fit barongs. For instance, the models of our contemporary fit barongs wore whatever they wanted underneath their barongs, whereas the models of our traditional fit barongs had to wear chamisa de chino (undershirts) underneath.
Are the barongs on this website all the barongs you sell?
No, more barongs will be added periodically. Plus, we sell custom made and bespoke barongs that are not available on this website. Contact us to inquire further. See our Special Sales section.
What should I wear underneath my custom formal Barong Tagalog to cover my body?
If you wear a traditional fit barong, meant for masculine wearers, you should wear the traditional barong undershirt, which is the camisa de chino. A camisa de chino basically looks like a henley shirt. You may purchase a camisa de chino from us that is made in the Philippines and fits your measurements. Just ask for one after ordering via email or during the measuring process.
If you do not have a camisa de chino, a beige, ecru or white henley shirt or t-shirt should do the trick.
Be sure to wear a camisa de chino or undershirt that is the same sleeve type as your barong. If you have a long sleeve barong, wear a long sleeve camisa de chino or undershirt. If you have a short sleeve barong, wear a short sleeve camisa de chino or undershirt. If you purchase a camisa de chino from us, we will ensure it is the same sleeve type as the custom barong you are purchasing.
For best results, wear your camisa de chino or undershirt untucked. If it is longer than your barong, then tuck it into your pants and pull it out so it hangs over and covers your pants as close to the bottom of the barong as possible.
If you wear a contemporary barong, meant for feminine wearers, you may wear what you feel is best to cover your body underneath. For blouse length barongs, many wear tank tops or camisoles underneath. For dress length barongs, many wear mini dresses or skirts with tanks or camisoles underneath.
How do I put on and take off my fitted half open pechera (half button down) barong so that I do not rip it?
When putting your half open pechera (half button down) barong on, be very careful. Pretend like you're putting on a paper shirt. The material is thin and easy to rip, plus the barong is fitted to your body. So, it's best to have someone put it on you and to put it on very slowly and carefully.
Unbutton all the buttons on the body and cuffs of the barong. Lift your arms straight above your head and slip the bottom of your barong down your arms, with your arms going into the sleeves, and then slide the barong down your torso slowly and carefully. As the barong sleeves go down to shoulder and arm level, you can lower your arms. When removing, lift arms straight above your head and pull on the sleeves and collar slowly and carefully upwards to remove.
If you have a full open pechera (full button down) barong, just put it on as you would put on a regular button up dress shirt, but put it on carefully because the fabric is still very delicate.
How do I clean and care for my custom formal barong?
Jusi, cocoon and piña silk are very thin and delicate barong fabrics. Do not rub, scrub or wring these fabrics. Do not dry clean your barong. Hand wash only.
Spot clean as needed by running water over the dirty or soiled area (collar, arm pits, cuffs, stains, etc.), gently apply just enough gentle detergent or soap with your finger to cover the area to be cleaned and run water over the area to rinse the soap off. Repeat as needed. Do rub, scrub or wring your barong. Tougher stains may require allowing water and applied soap to sit on stain for hours before rinsing. Hang barong to dry.
Only hand wash the entire barong if you absolutely have to, like if most or all of the barong has excessive sweat, dirt, stains or odor. Fill a tub, sink or basin with water and add a gentle clothing detergent or soap to make the water soapy. Pretreat set in or tough stains with water and gentle detergent or soap as needed. Dip and move your barong around in the soapy water to clean. Rinse off soap by running water over the barong. Repeat as needed. Again, do not rub, scrub or ring your barong. Lay barong flat on a towel to dry.
To straighten wrinkles and creases in your barong, use a steamer. Do not iron barongs.
How do I wash and care for my everyday barong?
For our everyday barongs made of Ramie fabric: hand wash them with gentle detergent and dry flat. Do not use chlorine bleach. Steam or cool iron to straighten wrinkles and creases. Do not iron at high temperatures because this can scorch the fibers. Do not fold or crease repeatedly in the same spot because this may damage or break the fibers. Hang your barong on a hanger when not in use.
For our everyday barongs made of Chambray (cotton): wash them in cold water. Do not use chlorine bleach. Dry them on low setting. If hang dry, dry them in the shade and avoid direct sunlight. Steam or cool iron to straighten wrinkles and creases. Do not iron at high temperatures because this can scorch the fibers. Hang your barong on a hanger when not in use.
Is it advisable to own a piña or piña silk barong in a non-tropical environment?
While it is true that barong fabrics can become dry and brittle and eventually rip in non-tropical environments, like in the US and Canada, where there are dry seasons and conditions, you can avoid dryness and brittleness and preserve and extend the life of your barong by not ironing or dry cleaning it. Steaming your barong regularly before use and as much as possible during cold and dry seasons every year will preserve your barong and extend its life.
All piña silk barongs we offer have an organza lining. Even if some of the pineapple leaf fibers were to become worn or break, the lining would hold the barong together.